News

17 September 2025

Former farm cadet Eilish O’Neill is on a mission towards starting her own farming business, adding to her existing knowledge with the New Zealand Certificate in Primary Industry Production Management (Level 5), through Primary ITO.

20 August 2025

From the family farm in India to seeking better life opportunities in New Zealand, Primary ITO learner Satbeer Sandhu has embraced a love of learning and passion for dairy farming to grow his career.

28 January 2025

Ten years after dairy farmer Gavin Longstaff completed his Primary ITO Level 4 training, he caught up with local farmer and Primary ITO Sector Manager Marianne Awburn at a local Brunch on Us event run by Rural Support.

28 November 2024

While many 17-year-olds are still deciding on career options, Sophie White’s passion for farming and practical experience through Primary ITO has landed her a place at the prestigious Smedley Station and Cadet Training School in 2025.

23 October 2024

Anna England grew up with a love of plants, not realising this would sow the seed to a rewarding and award-winning career in the horticulture industry.

6 September 2024

E kore e mutunga tēnei mea ko te ako – Learning is never-ending. By Mel Weston, Primary ITO Learning Support Manager 

8 August 2024

More than 90 percent of Primary ITO learners are satisfied with their experience of training with us, according to results from a recent learner experience survey.  

8 July 2024

This article was published by Farmers Weekly, 25 June 2024.

24 May 2024

Emotions were high as Ben Purua was announced as the winner of the 2024 Young Māori Farmer Award for Dairy at the prestigious Ahuwhenua Trophy, taking the opportunity to call out the benefits of training and his apprenticeship.

23 April 2024

Award-winning Southland farmer Zac Thomas is urging others to take up training, saying it’s the best way to prepare for a career leading to farm ownership and business success.